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Frank Lloyd Wright’s vintage patterns get a revival

Modernist decor company Schumacher has updated some of the architect's geometric patterns

June 1, 2017 | Text Catherine Franklin Photo Supplied

When Dara Caponigro, Schumacher’s creative director, unearthed remnants of a line of geometric fabrics in 2013, it was clear to her that it was more than just another old collection. In fact, it had the strong imprint of one of the most important American architects.

Introduced by former House Beautiful editor Elizabeth Gordon decades ago, Frank Lloyd Wright and Schumacher went on to create a transformational line of modernist fabrics in 1955. Fast forward 50 years or so, and Schumacher has once again collaborated with Wright (through his foundation, of course) to bring old and new together.

On the 150th anniversary of Wright’s birth, we pay homage to the trailblazer’s career. Using hand-drawn designs, linens and hybrid fabrics that are true to the original collection, Schumacher has changed the colour palette to give the new collection a contemporary twist. ‘The colours that were used for the original collection speak to that time,’ Caponigro said. ‘But the designs themselves are completely transcendent, so pure and timeless.’

A subtler colour palette saturated with taupes, charcoals and blues replaces the warmer greens, reds and browns of the 50s, making the collection lighter and more applicable to modern times. ‘We used colours that still speak to the Frank Lloyd Wright aesthetic, but are more clear in tone,’ said Pamela Marshall, Schumacher’s Director of Design. ‘The grounds are cleaner and whiter, [which] immediately freshened the look.’

Consisting of about 50 different upholstery fabrics, decorative trims and more, the new line is available from St Leger & Viney.